Help The Community

The Ramah Navajo Tribal enrollment is 2,400 strong in Cibola County in west-central New Mexico. Approximately 1,600 people live permanently in the Ramah area. Many people have moved to other areas to seek employment. The unemployment rate in the Ramah Navajo area is more than 60% with the average hourly wage rate being approximately $7.50 per hour. The average household income is well below the poverty level. Ramah Navajo School Board is by far the largest employer offering 375 jobs. Many of these jobs are more suited to women, being clerical, teacher aid, food service or cleaning positions. Unemployment for men is far higher than for women.

The Oso Vista Ranch Project’s board of directors and staff are predominantly from the Ramah Navajo community. The Executive Director has lived in the community and worked as an educator for 31 years. This team is inherently sensitive to the issues of historical trauma and traumatic life events. This life-perspective, combined with Oso Vista’s culturally-competent programs and the strong inclusion of elder wisdom, has proven to be a model that alleviates traumatic stress by valuing the indigenous knowledge that has been intricately woven into the fabric of community life for generations.